The far-right and euroskeptic Swiss People’s Party (SVP) came out as a clear leader in Switzerland’s national elections, according to final results released late Sunday.
The SVP, which has centered its campaign on anti-immigrant rhetoric in an election dominated by domestic issues, has won 28.6 percent of the vote in the Parliament’s lower chamber, the National Council — up from 25.6 percent four years ago — winning 62 seats, nine more than in 2019.
While the centrist The Center party maintained its score at 14.6 percent (29 seats), the liberal FDP party suffered a small loss, losing one seat.
On the left, the Socialist Party (SP) gained some ground to remain the country’s second political force, winning 18 percent of the vote and two extra seats, while the both the Greens and the Liberal Greens suffered important losses, respectively losing five and six seats.
The SVP focused on immigration in a domestic-centered election. For the first time, it also campaigned on cost of living issues, which topped voters’ agenda amid soaring health costs. The results also mark the resurrection of The Center. After several electoral setbacks, the centrist party now stands as a kingmaker and will have a crucial role in creating majorities in Parliament.
The Swiss vote for 200 seats in the lower chamber of parliament, the National Council, and 46 seats in the upper chamber, the Council of States. Since 1959, all the major parties have been represented in the seven-member government — the Federal Council — which is elected by members of parliament.
Partial results for the Council of States put the Center and the FDP as the biggest forces in the upper chamber, ahead of a second round in several regions.
The new Parliament will elect Switzerland’s government on December 13.
